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Lagos becomes headquarter of Lufthansa sales organization for Sub-Sahara Africa

By on June 25, 2015

DSC_1318Great news for Nigeria and Nigerian business as Lufthansa has designated Lagos as the center and regional headquarters of its Sub-Saharan sales, station and and administration organization leading marketing and sales for the airline across the continent, including East African and Southern Africa countries.

“Nigeria has always played a key role in Lufthansa’s intercontinental network and now we are creating a new organization that will benefit from the country’s economical size and business prospects as a leading regional business hub” said Claus Becker, Managing Director Sub-Sahara Africa, who will head the new organization.

Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa, also with the highest GDP and geographically located within 6 hours from all other Lufthansa Sub-Sahara markets, hence it was the natural choice for a regional head office in Africa. The decision of choosing Lagos as the headquarter of Lufthansa sales organization will not only secure jobs, but also create more employment opportunities for Nigerians.

The country which boasts three Lufthansa destinations (Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt) has been served by the German carrier since 1962 and is a pillar in the burgeoning economic relationship between Germany, Nigeria as well as businesses in both countries.

Speaking to pressmen in Lagos, Becker was joined by Tamur Goudarzi Pour, Lufthansa Vice President, Sales & Services for the Middle East, Africa & Southeast Europe to discuss the aviation group’s upcoming plans for the African continent including the new and revamped cabins of services to be offered on all flights from Nigera as well as other key African gateways.

“Sub-Sahara Africa is one of the Lufthansa Group strongest markets, with around 150 weekly flights by Lufthansa, Swiss/Edelweiss and Brussels Airlines serving 30 destinations in 26 countries and we plan to continue expanding services across the contact,” noted Goudarzi Pour.

Already scheduled for the end of October, Lufthansa will commence service to Nairobi, Kenya with initial four-times weekly and Brussels Airlines will offer customers in Accra direct service to Brussels.

Operating from Frankfurt one of Europe’s largest and most punctual hub, Lufthansa offers business and leisure travellers from Nigeria a global network this summer with over 200 destinations in 76 countries. Passengers from Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt will find seamless connections throughout the Lufthansa network including those to the USA and Canada with 20 destinations offered from Frankfurt and many more within the trans-Atlanitc joint-venture with United Airlines and Air Canada, making Lufthansa the leader in linking Western Africa with the North Atlantic’s most important financial centers.

“Our passenger’s convenience and comfort are paramount to us. More and more personalisation is being rolled out to provide our customers a complete and individualized travel experience from the time they book up until their arrival. And for 2015, our customers will soon enjoy the full spectrum of our new product offerings on board, with the latest in cabin designs,” said Goudarzi Pour.

“We are investing 1 million euros daily on our on board products, including the retrofitting all of the over 100 long haul aircrafts with Lufthansa’s First, Business, Class as well as new Premium Economy cabin,” added Becker.

In fact, Lufthansa’s Premium Economy Class will come to Nigeria in October 2015 creating a completely new travel experience that combines affordability with greater comfort. The seats offer up to 50 percent more room than Economy Class and will position Lufthansa as a leader in offering premium service in all four classes of service.

Lufthansa’s First Class passengers flying from Nigeria throughout Lufthansa’s network of destinations already enjoy the highest quality of service and comfort available on board, the superb comfort of the award-winning First Class cabin with its ergonomically contoured seat that converts into a fully flat, two-metre long bed has won a 5-star award from Skytrax.

In addition, Lufthansa is retrofitting each and every long haul aircraft this year with the new Business Class offering a fully-flat bed, upgraded meal service a 15” inch TV monitors and one of the most advanced inflight entertainment systems in existence including a convenient Wi-Fi system.

Connecting in Frankfurt, passengers will get to enjoy the state-of-the-art, four-level new A Pier at Terminal 1 in Frankfurt airport providing travellers with a chance to relax in more comfort, prior to boarding their connecting flights. The new A Pier is at the vanguard of European aviation, boasting more retail outlets, places to dine, and the latest in Lufthansa’s popular lounges. Customers can relax in any of the five new Lufthansa lounges including Senator, Business and First Class lounges. Of course, passengers with onward flights from other sections of Frankfurt Terminal 1 can choose from a number of First Class, Senator and Business Class lounges.

Also at Frankfurt Airport, Lufthansa Business Class passengers and status customers entering Germany can relax at the exclusive Welcome Lounge which is geared to the needs of travelers arriving on long-haul flights. A comprehensive breakfast and snack buffet, is served in comfort areas and quiet zones. The modern shower area on the lower level is one of the Welcome Lounge’s most exclusive features. Its 28 high-end showers allow passengers to get refreshed for the day ahead. A concierge is on hand to allocate shower facilities and coordinate customer wishes, including an ironing service for HON Circle members, First Class guests and Senators.